Texas Dance Hall Preservation, Inc., has been selected to receive a grant from the Texas Historical Commission’s Texas Preservation Trust Fund to develop a toolkit of resources for “mothballing” (stabilizing, weatherizing, and securing) vacant and infrequently used dance halls. The project is intended to prevent historic halls from deteriorating or becoming damaged while they are waiting to be put back into more regular use. When completed, the toolkit will be available free of charge on TDHP’s website.
During the grant-funded project, TDHP will work directly with up to 12 halls that fall into one of the following categories: (A) halls that are operating infrequently or have recently ceased operation or are for sale, and (B) halls that are completely vacant or are being used for storage or other passive/non-productive use. Participating halls will receive a condition assessment by a preservation architect; a report of any existing damage, with recommendations for properly mothballing the building; and a small stipend for emergency repairs or mothballing work. A variety of dance halls will be selected for the grant project based on location, state of vacancy, current condition, etc.
Dance hall owners / organizations who are interested in participating or would like more information should contact TDHP no later than February 5, 2017 by emailing TDHP President Deb Fleming at deb@texasdancehall.org or admin@texasdancehall.org